2023 Topic 3 DQ 1 The United States has the highest rate of adolescent pregnancies

 Topic 3 DQ 1

The United States has the highest rate of adolescent pregnancies in the developed world. Adolescent pregnancy can have adverse effects and is an important public health concern, (Fisher,C. et.al.2020).

Adolescent pregnancies are worldwide and contributes to increased fetal and maternal complications. There is a high risk of preterm labor, post-partum hemorrhage, low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)pre-eclampsia, higher rate for cesarean sections and gestational diabetes. Precursors to adolescent pregnancies includes, lack of positive family interactions, family history of teen moms, poverty, and poor school performance. Pregnant adolescents have a lower social health security and a low rate of receiving prenatal care. Nutrition is also a major risk factor; adolescents are concerned about their appearance and figures when their body image changes it results in inadequate nutritional intake this can lead to anorexia or bulimia. An increase in obstetrical and neonatal complications is tobacco and alcohol consumption, low socioeconomic levels, and low social support, (Pregnancy in Adolescence,2020).

In the state of Georgia there are numerous programs for adolescent moms, 1. Family First, an Atlanta based program that originated in 1890 as an orphanage and has expanded into a youth for success program providing major key services to overcome life’s changes to aide in reaching positive goals. The program also provides solutions to vulnerable populations. In addition, services are offered to support underserved youths by furnishing counseling services, health and wellness education, and parenting classes, (A New Vision for the Future, 2020)

1. Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia, (HMHBGA), this organization offers prenatal education to expectant families who are at higher risk for poor births and post delivery outcomes. Other services they provide are community based prenatal and educational information to mothers throughout Georgia. Young mothers are given information on family planning, breastfeeding, sudden infant death syndrome, (SIDS)and prevention of maternal mental health, (HMHBGA, Prenatal Education,2019).

In Georgia teen birth rates have declined 74% between 1991 and 2019. In 2019 7,090 teens gave birth, and most teen births were between the ages of 18-19 making up 75%. In addition, 16% of teen births were to moms who already had children. Teen births for all racial and ethnic groups has fallen. According to The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy states that the decrease in birth rates is contributed to teens waiting to have sex, teens having fewer sexual partners, more teens using contraception, and preventive education, (Teen Pregnancy Prevention,2017)

Respond to the above posting using 200-300 words APA format with references to support the discussion.

Adolescent pregnancy is viewed as a high-risk situation because it poses serious health risks for the mother and the baby. Describe various risk factors or precursors to adolescent pregnancy. Research community and state resources devoted in adolescent pregnancy and describe at least two of these resources. Research the teen pregnancy rates for the last 10 years for your state and community. Has this rate increased or decreased? Discuss possible reasons for an increase or decrease.